Tool for reshaping deformed automobile body parts



Oct. 2, 1951 R. E. FERGUSON TOOL FOR RESHAPING DEFORMED AUTOMQBILE BODYPARTS Filed April 5, 1949 Patented Oct. 2, 1951 Tool. FOR RESHAPINGDEFORMED AUTOMOBILE BODY PARTS Ray E. Ferguson, Lynnfield Center, Mass.,as-

..signor to H. K. Porter, Inc., Somerville, Mass., a corporation ofMassachusetts I Application April 5, 1949,. Serial No. 85,672.

1 Claim. (01. 153-32) This invention relates to tools for reshapingparts ofautomobile bodies which have been bent by collisions or othermishaps of use. The object is to provide a tool for operating on a panelwhich may be pressed against the same by a suitable pressure exertingmechanism, such as a hydraulic jack, and which may be adjusted after thepressure of the jack is exerted thereon, more exactly to locate it or tochange the manner of its presentation to the work as the operationproceeds. The invention will be well understood by reference to thefollowing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawigswherein:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view of the interior of an automobile showing awork reshaping assembroken away; Fig. 3 is a plan view of thework-engaging member forming a part of the tool shown in Fig. 2; and

Figs. 4 and 5 are sections on the lines 4-4 and 55 of Fig. 3.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is there shown part of an automobile bodyhaving extended across the interior space thereof an assembly of repairtools, the device forming the subject matter of the invention being thatelement of the assembly which directly engages the panel or similar partbeing operated on. In that figure is shown a hydraulic jack ill operatedby the pump handle l2, supported from a suitable abutment by anextension M from the base of the jack cylinder, the extension beingherein shown as carrying an enlarged rubber head l6 resting against theabutment. Secured to the ram I8 of the jack, in the case illustrateddirectly and without the interposition of any extension device similarto the device I4, is the work-engaging tool embodying the inventionwhich will hereinafter be more fully described.

When the jack is operated the tool 20 is pressed against the work, suchas a panel of the metal body. The assembly in many instances is thenself-sustaining. The tool may be used to support the part engaged whileit is being operated from at the other side of the panel, as by manualhammering, or the outward movement of the jack ram may be continued topress the part engaged to another form. An assemblage as so fardescribed, except for the novel construction and method of operation ofthe tool 20 and when the operating tool is during use rigidly related tothe axial line of the jack, is not new.

Such an asse'mblageis rather heavy and unwieldy. Often it is necessaryto position it in tight places. Therefore after the tool has taken holdof the part engaged under pressure of the jack, it may be found that theadjustment is not quite what it should be. Also, after the part fpanel-engaging portion'thereofto be angularly adjusted relative to theaxial line of the jack when the parts are under load. Referring now moreparticularly to Fig. 2, the tool shown comprises a base fitting 22having its inner end formed as a threaded coupling 24 adapted to screwon to the end of the jack ram or to a suitable extension of the ram.Rising upwardly and laterally from one side of this member is a bearingsupporting arm formed by a pair of ears 26 between which is pivoted oneend of the member 28 which engages the work and which might colloquiallybe termed a spoon from its resemblance to the work-engaging portions ofmanually applied tools used in the body repair trade which are sotermed. This member 28, as seen in Figs. 2 and 3, is long and relativelynarrow, with an outer face gently curved longitudinally, and slightlycrowned transversely (see Figs. 4 and 5). Thus sharp corners are notpresented to the panel being reshaped and the various curvatures orcrownings may be such as to adapt them to frequently encounteredcontours of the panels of automobile bodies. The member 28 extendsacross the axial line of the fitting and for a considerable distancebeyond the same, and is supported adjustably in working position by anaxially extending power screw 30 mounted on the base member 22 andengaging the member 28 between the pivot and its distal end, the memberforming a lever of the third class, so called. The lower surface of themember 28 is provided with a projection or boss 32 having a roundeddepression 34 therein adapted to ride on a spheroidal head 36 of thepower screw.

It will be apparent from Fig. 2 that if the power screw 30 is backed offto move its head 35 outwardly from its nut the member 28 will be swungclockwise, viewing the figure. To permit this action the screw inwardlyof the head is contoured to facilitate turning of the same and is hereinshown as having a portion 38 of hexagon form which may be engaged by awrench of ordinary form, or grasped by the fingers of the hand. There isalso shown a radial opening 42 in this head portion of the screw inwhich the end of a tommy bar may be inserted for the same purpose.

Under the power of the screw swinging adjustment of the work-engagingportion of the tool may be efiectedwithout moving the assemblage fromits initial. position, such as that shown in Fig. 1, and withoutrelaxing the pressure of the jack. On the contrary, after the tool;

has taken hold the adjustment maybe effected to correct any minormisapplication Qfjjhfi; worlg engaging member 28 and as the operationcontinues further adjustments may be, madeytosuit the changingconditions, whilegthe. parts are;

be. hadthe appended claim toindicate those 3 principles, of theinvention exemplified bythe particular embodiment. described and which Idesire to secureby Letters Patent.

An appliance for use in reshaping deformed parts of automobile bodies inconnection with a jack for exerting pressure thereon comprising afitting having a coupling portion for mounting it at the extremity of ajack ram for advance linearly along the axial line of the ram, saidmember having a laterally-and upwardly projecting arm,.a.w0rken agin mmb r piv d at one end to said arm, said member being long and relativelynarrow with contoured outer face and extending from its pivot across thesaid fitting handler substantial distance beyond the same,

and a power screw mounted in the end of the fitting for; movement, in,the axial line aforesaid havingza head; underlying the work-engagingmember-to support the same and, when screwed ontwardly Jammie the sameabout its pivot in the manner of a'lev'er of the third class, the screwoutwardly of the end of the fitting and inwardly of said membercontoured to facilitate turning of thescrew RAY EFER USQN- REFERENCESCITED The; followingrreferencevs.are .of-record in the;

file, r this pa ent-r UNITED- STATES. PATENTS Number Name ata 1 55531Games l Jan, 2, 14m. 311,341- E rgllficn vim-Mun". Feb- 1 .194

